Chaeles h



(Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

C. H. BERNHEIM.

BBE HIVB.

No. 280,560. Patented July 3, 1883.

mpf 22j 956W N. PETERS. PhunfLMgnph-r. wanhingmn. 0.6.

(Model.) 2 sheets-sheen 2. l

C. H. BERNHEIM.

BEE HIVB.

No. 280,560. Patented Jul 3, 188,8.

N. PETERS. Phcbumgnpw. wasrmgon'. D. c

UNITED STATES PATENT FFICE.

CHARLES H. BERNHEIM, OF.LEXINGTON,-NORTH CAROLINA.

BEE-HNE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 280,560, dated July 3, 1883.

Application filed May 17, 1883. (Model.)

To all whom, t may concern,.-

Be it known that I, CHARLES H. BERNI-IEIM, a citizen of the United States, residing at .Lexington, in the county of Davidson and State of North Carolina, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Bee-Hives, of which the following is a specication, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to certain improvements in bee-hives; and it has for its objects to lprovide' certain means whereby the hive may be more readily handled Vand managed than heretofore. These objects I attain by the means illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in whi`ch- "Figure l represents a perspective view of my improved hive, Fig. 2, a vertical transverse section thereof, and Fig. 3 a vertical transverse section taken at right angles to` the section represented in Fig. 2 of the drawings. Fig. 4 represents a detailed top view of a portion of one of the comb-frames.

-In the drawings, the letter A indicates 'the lower section of the hive, which is provided with a bottom, B, to whichit is hinged, at one side, by means of the eyes C and pintles D. The said bottom sets up into the lower part ofthe hive within a short distance of the frames7 so that the bees vmay readily reach the frames immediately upon entering the hive,

the bottom being cut away at the front, as indicated by the letter E, to furnish an entrance for the bees. rIlhe sides of the said lower section are hinged at the corners, so that they may be readily opened, and at one corner are provided with fastening devices F, of any suitable description.

The letter G indicates the comb-frames, which, at the corners, are provided with pintles A, so that they may be reversed in their bearings when desired. The said frames have their lower bearings in a perforated sheetmetal frame, I, secured to one side of the said lower section, on the inside'. The said lower section is formed of a bent piece of metal, the upper portion having perforations for the lower pintles, and fastened to the front of the hive by an upper ange, i, and supported by a lower ledge, o, over the opening. `The said frames have their upper bearings in holes in a strip of metal, K, on the same side as the frame I, above mentioned, and when in their bearings swing, like the leaves of a book. On

.opposite sides, at each end of the frames, are

secured bent or angular plates M, of sheet metal, which serve to hold the frames in parallel position when the hive is closed. These plates are secured to the frames at their corner-joints, and thus serve the additional purpose of imparting strength and durability to the frames.

Two of the sides of the hives are provided with glazed openings and removable doors N, whereby the interior of the hive may be inspected. The upper edge of the lower section is rabbeted, forming a seat for thei upper sec# tion, which consists of a rectangular boX, I), which contains a sct of loose comb-boxes, R, glazed on one side, and provided each with an oblong opening, S, at the bottom, which serves as an entrance for the bees. rlhe bottom of the lower section is rabbeted, similarly to the lower edge of the upper section, and the lower section is of such construction that it may set upon the raised'bottom, and, when desired, two or more may be employed, one placed upon the top ofthe other, to increase the capacity of the hive.

As constructed, it will be perceived that the raised bottom, which may be constructed of a panel of wood secured to the upper part of the ordinary bottom, with its grain running at'right angles to the same, will not only serve the purpose of enabling the bees to more conveniently reach the frames, but will leave so little space that the bees will be unable to build combs below the frames, and will also form a firm support for the sides and prevent the bottom from warping.V

' Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, 1s-

1. A bee-hive provided with a raised and hinged bottom, and comb-frames provi ded with bent sheet-metal plates M, secured on opposite sides at the corners o f the frames, over the `joints thereof, whereby the parts of the frame are firmly inited and kept from striking against each other, substantially as specified.

2. The comb-frames provided with the bent sheet-metal plates M, secured on opposite sides of each frame at the joints, whereby the parts IOO of the frames are substantially united and o, against the front edge over the opening7 sub- 1o spaced, as set forth.. stantially as speeiied.

3. A bee-hive provided with upper and In testimony whereof Iafix my Signuturein lower bearings for the eomb-frznnes, the lower presence of Jmvo Witnesses. bearino formed of u bent piece of metal L 1 i 1 T n the upier portion of which has perfoi'ation CHARLLS H BLRB HLIM' for the lower pintles, and the said bearing Witnesses: beinr fastened to the front of the hive by an o JOHN LAYDEN, upper liange und supported by e lower ledge, H. C. RoTHRooK. 

